First UK ‘greensteel’ biofuel plant officially opened

The first of a network of mini power stations designed to feed steel plants with renewable energy has officially been opened in Newport, Wales.

The 9MW biofuel facility is said to be the first of its kind in the country.

It is part of a programme called ‘GREENSTEEL’, being delivered by GFG Alliance, a collaboration of businesses – Liberty Steel and SIMEC Power – owned by the Gupta family.

They aim to create a network of 14 ‘peaking plants’ with a total combined capacity of 200MW across the UK.

They will ensure continuation of low cost, clean power supply during times of peak demand or periods when solar and wind power are not delivering.

SIMEC Chief Executive Jay Hambro said: “GREENSTEEL is an exciting new blueprint for British industry and clean energy is right at the heart of that plan. These peaking units represent just one part of a wave of energy innovation we plan to bring forward to underpin this bold strategy.”